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The average salary for a Work Car Operator stands at $35,769 annually, translating to approximately $17 per hour. This figure can vary significantly based on location, experience, and the specific employer. For instance, entry-level positions may offer lower salaries, while those with several years of experience can command higher rates.
In certain states, Work Car Operators earn considerably more. For example, states with a high demand for transportation services often provide better compensation packages. Understanding the geographic salary trends can help candidates make informed career decisions.
Cities with robust infrastructure projects typically offer the highest salaries for Work Car Operators. Major metropolitan areas often have more opportunities and higher pay rates, reflecting the cost of living and demand for skilled labor.
As you explore career options, consider researching these factors to maximize your earning potential as a Work Car Operator. Whether you are entering the field or seeking advancement, staying informed about salary trends can enhance your career trajectory.
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The average work car operator salary in Alaska, North Dakota, and Colorado are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average work car operator salary states are Oklahoma, Florida, and Vermont.
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $44,833 | $21.55 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania | $39,294 | $18.89 |
| 3 | Nebraska | $38,670 | $18.59 |
| 4 | North Dakota | $44,004 | $21.16 |
| 5 | Rhode Island | $35,835 | $17.23 |
| 6 | Colorado | $41,474 | $19.94 |
| 7 | Indiana | $35,175 | $16.91 |
| 8 | Hawaii | $40,387 | $19.42 |
| 9 | New York | $39,669 | $19.07 |
| 10 | Wisconsin | $35,683 | $17.16 |
| 11 | Massachusetts | $36,196 | $17.40 |
| 12 | Arizona | $37,699 | $18.12 |
| 13 | Illinois | $36,022 | $17.32 |
| 14 | Ohio | $34,394 | $16.54 |
| 15 | District of Columbia | $38,291 | $18.41 |
| 16 | Iowa | $35,341 | $16.99 |
| 17 | Nevada | $36,346 | $17.47 |
| 18 | Wyoming | $36,876 | $17.73 |
| 19 | Utah | $34,570 | $16.62 |
| 20 | Maryland | $38,483 | $18.50 |
| 21 | California | $37,271 | $17.92 |
| 22 | New Jersey | $34,757 | $16.71 |
| 23 | South Dakota | $35,173 | $16.91 |
| 24 | Mississippi | $33,137 | $15.93 |
| 25 | Kansas | $33,966 | $16.33 |
| 26 | Missouri | $34,766 | $16.71 |
| 27 | Texas | $33,693 | $16.20 |
| 28 | Georgia | $33,263 | $15.99 |
| 29 | Minnesota | $34,940 | $16.80 |
| 30 | Washington | $35,898 | $17.26 |
| 31 | Michigan | $34,083 | $16.39 |
| 32 | New Mexico | $34,938 | $16.80 |
| 33 | Kentucky | $31,909 | $15.34 |
| 34 | Montana | $34,953 | $16.80 |
| 35 | Arkansas | $32,135 | $15.45 |
| 36 | South Carolina | $32,621 | $15.68 |
| 37 | Delaware | $34,586 | $16.63 |
| 38 | Tennessee | $30,731 | $14.77 |
| 39 | Oregon | $35,133 | $16.89 |
| 40 | Maine | $33,745 | $16.22 |
| 41 | Connecticut | $34,530 | $16.60 |
| 42 | West Virginia | $32,432 | $15.59 |
| 43 | Louisiana | $32,238 | $15.50 |
| 44 | New Hampshire | $32,359 | $15.56 |
| 45 | Alabama | $30,759 | $14.79 |
| 46 | Florida | $31,271 | $15.03 |
| 47 | Vermont | $31,209 | $15.00 |
| 48 | Virginia | $31,647 | $15.21 |
| 49 | Idaho | $31,681 | $15.23 |
| 50 | Oklahoma | $31,416 | $15.10 |
| 51 | North Carolina | $28,337 | $13.62 |
The highest-paying cities for work car operators are Kearney, NE, La Mirada, CA, and Boston, MA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kearney, NE | $38,642 | $18.58 |
| 2 | La Mirada, CA | $37,174 | $17.87 |
| 3 | Boston, MA | $36,194 | $17.40 |
| 4 | Bremerton, WA | $36,131 | $17.37 |
| 5 | Chicago, IL | $36,092 | $17.35 |
| 6 | Waukesha, WI | $35,594 | $17.11 |
| 7 | Sioux City, IA | $35,253 | $16.95 |
| 8 | Beaverton, OR | $35,148 | $16.90 |
| 9 | Toledo, OH | $34,709 | $16.69 |
| 10 | Abilene, TX | $33,909 | $16.30 |
| 11 | Norfolk, VA | $31,399 | $15.10 |
| 12 | Idaho Falls, ID | $31,185 | $14.99 |
| 13 | Memphis, TN | $30,855 | $14.83 |
A work car operator's salary ranges from $28,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $45,000 at the 90th percentile.

| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $45,000 | $3,750 | $22 |
| 75th Percentile | $40,000 | $3,333 | $19 |
| Average | $35,769 | $2,981 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,000 | $2,583 | $15 |
| 10th Percentile | $28,000 | $2,333 | $13 |
The highest paying types of work car operators are cart driver, operator, and shuttle car operator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Operator/Forklift Operator | $32,452 | $2,704 | $15.60 | 120,073 |
| Lift Operator | $32,309 | $2,692 | $15.53 | 72,445 |
| Operator | $37,928 | $3,161 | $18.23 | 159,077 |
| Forklift Operator | $34,213 | $2,851 | $16.45 | 213,020 |
Top companies hiring work car operators now:
Work car operator salaries at Travis County and HOLT CAT are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average work car operator salary at companies like The Andersons and City of Boise are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travis County | $41,582 | $19.99 |
| 2 | HOLT CAT | $38,529 | $18.52 |
| 3 | The Andersons | $36,011 | $17.31 |
| 4 | City of Boise | $35,968 | $17.29 |
| 5 | Sysco | $35,074 | $16.86 |
| 6 | VIVA USA | $34,162 | $16.42 |
| 7 | Adecco | $33,190 | $15.96 |
| 8 | The Reserves Network | $33,108 | $15.92 |
| 9 | Minnesota Limited | $33,027 | $15.88 |
| 10 | Superior Group | $32,821 | $15.78 |
| 11 | NEX | $32,051 | $15.41 |
| 12 | Greater Chicago Food Depository | $26,860 | $12.91 |
The average work car operator salary varies across industries:
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Government | $40,011 | $19.24 |
| 2 | Manufacturing | $37,518 | $18.04 |
| 3 | Education | $35,171 | $16.91 |
| 4 | Internet | $34,660 | $16.66 |
| 5 | Professional | $33,452 | $16.08 |
| 6 | Finance | $32,848 | $15.79 |
The average work car operator salary has risen by $7,190 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average work car operator earned $28,579 annually, but today, they earn $35,769 a year. That works out to a 16% change in pay for work car operators over the last decade.
Compare work car operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Compare work car operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $35,800 | $17.20 | +3.6% |
| 2025 | $34,500 | $16.57 | +4.0% |
| 2024 | $33,100 | $15.91 | +3.2% |
| 2023 | $32,000 | $15.40 | +3.5% |
| 2022 | $30,900 | $14.86 | +1.1% |
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Government Jobs | Wastewater Operator 2 (Underfill Wastewater Operator 1)-Public Works | Salem, OR | 07/24/2024 | $54,763 |
| Masonite International Corporation | End Work Operator | Nacogdoches, TX | 02/02/2024 | $34,477 |
| Marion County, or | Wastewater Operator 2-Public Works (Underfill Wastewater Operator 1) | Salem, OR | 01/20/2024 | $54,763 |
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